Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the circumstances in which an application under the motorised transport scheme could be approved without the applicant being in employment or in a position to return to employment. [34292/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Motorised Transport Grant is a grant towards the purchase/adaptation of a vehicle by a person with a severe disability where the vehicle is essential for him or her to retain employment. Persons with a disability who qualify but are incapable of driving and who have to be driven to and from work are also considered eligible for a grant provided that they are driven by another named person to and from work.

The grant may also be provided other than for retaining employment, (in exceptional circumstances) to a person with a severe disability who lives in very isolated circumstances. The person's disability must prevent them from using public transport and they must have serious transport difficulties. However, the applicant still needs to meet the medical criteria, the means test, he or she cannot be in receipt of the Mobility Allowance and the calculation of the amount of grant will factor in any tax relief received under the Disabled Drivers and Passengers Tax Relief Scheme (administered by the Revenue Commissioners).